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Zara Friend lets us in on her wedding plans

The wedding
I met my fiance Dean back in 2002, when I was working part-time while I studied at college. We have been engaged since 2005 – a long time to some but we always had the 2008 date in mind. The two years have flown by and now we’re in the final stretch to our big day. It’s been two years of gradual planning and lots of saving. The average wedding is said to cost £16,000, but this takes into account a minimal no-fuss ceremony to an all-out extravagant do at the other end of the scale. Hopefully, ours will fall somewhere in the middle.

We’ve had the time to plan and think about what we want as the day needs to be special and memorable. At first, the costs involved did seem a bit crazy but on further research, this was simply the price of having a dream wedding. With this in mind, we embarked on the fun preparations to follow that would culminate in the big day.

Venues
For me and Dean, there is no better backdrop for a wedding than Sussex. The thought of a beach abroad crossed our minds – who wouldn’t love the guaranteed perfect weather and tranquil setting? – but it would be difficult to point out the spot where you were wed 15 years later as you take a drive with the kids.

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Preparation for the wedding day begins months, even years in advance. It should be the same story for your health and beauty regime as you discover which products and styles work best for you, so come the big day, you will look stunning. Words: Zara Friend

A year and six months before
In the run up to your wedding (or your friend’s wedding!) start a health and beauty regime you can stick to. Many brides choose to lose weight for their big day and opt for a dress size smaller than they usually wear. This may not always be a good idea as most brides-to be choose their dress a year or so before their wedding date, so a diet plan will have to be followed carefully to ensure you fit into your dream dress on the day itself! When you have your wedding outfit sorted, you will have a few regular fittings before the actual wedding date, so don’t fret too much about losing or gaining weight.

For many, it’s about maintaining their ideal body weight in the run up to the wedding. Eat sensibly and exercise regularly, perhaps choosing to focus on certain ‘problem’ areas as necessary. If your dress is strapless, tone the arms and the shoulders with regular exercises including bicep and tricep curls. If you have a tight-fitting dress, work the tummy area with daily sit-ups for a toned figure. Vintage-style shorter wedding dresses are in style – if you do choose to bear your pins, keep calves shapely and toned with regular exercises. Most importantly, don’t fret too much and don’t opt for drastic changes. Be sensible and remember that buying the right underwear can go a long way in achieving the perfect body shape!

In terms of hair care, decide how to wear your ‘do’ in advance. Are you thinking of wearing a veil, tiara, fascinator or real flowers? Will you be wearing an up-do, a chic bob or have long flowing curls? Discuss your thoughts with your stylist well in advance so your perfect cut can be achieved. If you’re growing your hair down, regular trims are essential to aid growth and prevent dry, split ends. If you choose to colour your hair, have a practice months before, even if you are used to hair dye. Different products may cause an allergic reaction or the shade may turn out different to that desired. It may be a case of trial and error, but it may save a lot of tears come the actual wedding.

Start a skincare routine you can follow. If you are prone to breakouts, try gentle exfoliating glycolic products that can protect and heal the skin. Finally, indulge a little and go for a monthly facial to keep skin soft, toned and glowing.

Two weeks before
Many brides today choose to have their makeup applied professionally. If you’ve arranged for a make-up artist for the day of the wedding, make sure you’ve had some run-throughs with products and shades to ensure you are satisfied with the result. There’s nothing worse than scrubbing off a make-up artist’s work just to reapply it yourself because you were unhappy with the results but too polite to say! It’s a service you pay for so make sure that it meets all your requirements and standards.

Continue to visit your facialist to ensure skin is left clear and soft and create the perfect base for make-up to be applied to. You may want to look different to your everyday style but remember that weddings are mainly a daytime affair so the natural look is the best option. Lasting foundation and eye make-up create a flawless finish while lipstick can be touched up throughout the day. Have your hair coloured about a week or two before the wedding, just in case the shade doesn’t come out quite as expected!

If you’re away for a weekend break – perhaps a hen do in Spain – protect your skin with a high factor sun lotion. A sun-kissed tan looks stunning against a white wedding dress but bikini strap marks and red sunburn is a different story!

The day before
Have a rest and a good night’s sleep! All the plans will be finalised, with each member of the wedding party clear on their roles. Now is the time to treat yourself to a manicure as your hands will soon be on show!

End the day with a shower or bath and have an early night’s sleep. It may sound impossible with all the excitement and/or nerves, but aim for the full eight hours!

Leonie Claire present the entire 2008 collection of Alvina Occasion wear

In their stunning central Brighton boutique, Leonie Claire aim to ensure that customers have the most wonderful time choosing their gown.

As you enter their spacious showroom you are met by a stunning array of designer dresses and accessories. A huge lounge area waits beyond with vast mirrors and plenty of comfy sofa space for mum, aunty, sister and all the girls. While you browse the gorgeous gowns youwill be offered a chilled glass of bubbly as they find out all about your special day.

On Saturday 16 February, Leonie Claire will be showcasing the entire 2008 collection of Alvina Valenta occasion wear. This is a fabulous opportunity for all brides and ladies with special occasions, as Leonie will be offering a 10% discount for all gowns ordered on that day. Attendance is by appointment only so contact Leonie to book your visit.

www.leonieclaire.com
info@leonieclaire.com
Tel: 01273 711458
46 Upper North Street,
Brighton BN1 3FH

On your wedding day, the flowers you choose play a central role and speak volumes. Whether it’s traditional roses or a mixed arrangement, discover your style with our floral guide. By Zara Friend

Flowers are traditionally associated with weddings. They express love (roses) and become a strong decorative feature for your big day. Flowers will play a central role, most predominantly in the bride’s bouquet. Button-holes, the end of church pews, table centre pieces and adorning the wedding cake are other places you will see floral arrangements. Rose petals can also be used as confetti and look stunning scattered around the crisp white tablecloth the wedding cake sits on.

There are no rules saying the flowers you choose need to match, but a continuing theme adds a touch of elegance to the day. The groom, father of the bride and best man, for example, may choose a single flower for their button hole that is also featured in the bride’s bouquet. A single rose or carnation may be in keeping with the rest of the wedding. The bridesmaid, too, may have a smaller version of the bride’s bouquet, but again this is not essential.

When you visit a florist, pick out flowers you like and ask to see their portfolio of bouquets and centrepieces. They will offer advice on different flowers and arrangements. Think about the time of year you are getting married – are the flowers you like available at that time of year? Seasonal flowers will be looking and smelling their best, and while your chosen flowers can be imported from a different country, this can impact on the price you pay.

Traditional roses remain a popular choice for weddings. They connote romance, love and passion and look absolutely stunning in a hand-held bouquet or button-hole. For winter weddings, red roses appear vibrant and warm. A modern take on traditional roses is to have diamantés set in the centre to add extra glam and sparkle.

For spring and summer, cream or yellow roses are an easy way to achieve understated elegance. Hyacinths, daffodils and freesias are a great alternative choice for a spring wedding as they look and smell gorgeous.

It’s important to take into account allergies as this could end up a nightmare situation if the bride has low tolerance to the scent of the bouquet she is holding! Pollen should also be considered as the last thing you want is a stained white dress in your wedding photos.

The colours of the wedding should reflect who you are as a couple. Red is traditional and romantic, but a summer wedding sets the scene for exotic arrangements in vibrant colours. Sunflowers are not typically associated with weddings, but they are quirky, bright and warm. A large single sunflower is a great option for the bridesmaid while the bride could hold a small arrangement of sunflowers.

Anything goes but it’s important to think about the statement you want the flowers to make. Hand-held bunches and scattered rose petals in the reception are the current trend, which give a simplistic, minimal fuss approach. Alternatively, a cascading floral shower held over the arm and arranged table centrepieces in bowls of water with tea lights suggest class and romanticism.

Decide your colour theme first, then think about flowers you would like for your big day. The trip to the florist will put things in perspective, helping you realise what flowers will look best at certain times of year. Above all, don’t be afraid to be different. If you want extravagant adornments or flowers, incorporate it into your big day. If you want it kept simple and neat, then go down that route. You really can’t lose.

Flowers for the seasons

Spring – daffodils, iris, tulips, peonies
Summer – roses, sunflowers, carnations
Autumn – orchid, hydrangea, chrysanthemums, gerbera daisiess
Winter – snowdrops, amaryllis, jasmine